On Monday 31 August: 2009, Mrs. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum took over as
Federal Republic of Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
[UNESCO]. She replaced Professor Michael Omolewa who served
from 31 January, 2000 to 31 August, 2009.

Previously, Mrs. Katagum was Deputy Director for Policy Planning,
Management and Research at Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education.
She serves on the Board of the Abuja Nigeria based Zamarr Institute
that promotes excellence in educational training opportunities for
exceptional and gifted children.

Earlier, from November 2001, Mrs Katagum served as Secretary-General
of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO [NATCOM].
Before that appointment, she had served as Secretary of the Social
and Human Sciences Sector of NATCOM. Between 1999 and 2000,
she served as Secretary of the Committee set up by Nigeria's Federal
Ministry of Education on Nigeria-UNESCO Cooperation. She later
served as the Secretary of the Project Steering Committee for the
World Bank Assisted Secondary Education Project in 2000 and 2001.

Mrs. Katagum attended Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria where
she obtained a B.A. Honours English in 1976. And later, at the
University of Lagos, Nigeria, she got a M.Ed. in Administration
and Planning. She also attended a course at the University College,
London, United Kingdom in 1999; and there obtained a Certificate in
Social Development, Policy, Planning and Practice.

Also, in 2000, Mrs. Katagum was appointed Director of Special
Project at the Universal Basic Education [UBE] Programme run by
the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Education Ministry.
She had earlier served as a member of the Board of Directors at
Bauchi State Television between 1992 and 1993.

Mrs. Katagum is solidly familiar with the work of UNESCO and that of
the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO. Her inspiring, faithful,
and committed service plus stewardship spans over two decades.

History + Brief Resume of Officials